Reynolds: Restaurants, gyms, salons to reopen in Dubuque County and statewide Friday

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Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during a news conference earlier this month about the coronavirus outbreak.

Restaurants and other businesses in 77 counties have reopened with limitations, while restaurants in the remaining 22 counties, including Dubuque County, are limited to carryout and delivery only.

Effective Friday, Reynolds said she will expand those provisions statewide to allow more businesses and parts of Iowa’s economy to reopen.

Hair salons and barbershops have remained closed statewide. Those businesses will be allowed to reopen.

“We are going to continue to move forward (to reopen the economy) and we’re going to do it in a safe and responsible manner,” Reynolds said.

Last Friday, Reynolds allowed dental services to resume and campgrounds, drive-in theaters, tanning facilities and other businesses to reopen statewide if they meet certain requirements.

The governor also lifted Iowa’s ban on nonessential surgeries and allowed farmers' markets to open again.

Reynolds said today she’s confident restaurant owners will be responsible in starting to reopen their businesses as restrictions are eased.

“We’re opening (the economy) up and doing it in a phased, responsible and safe approach,” Reynolds said.

Businesses will be required to follow capacity restrictions, health measures and recommended guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health, Reynolds stressed.

Iowa Department of Public Health Deputy Director Sarah Reisetter said businesses reopening will need to frequently clean and sanitize following the latest U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and have hand sanitizer available for customers and staff.

Businesses as well will need to provide visual reminders to customers to social distance , spacing themselves 6 feet apart while in the establishment, and to wear masks.

Reisetter also said that any Iowan over 65 or with underlying health conditions should still continue to stay home as much as possible. Anyone who has been in close contact with anyone who is a confirmed positive case also needs to continue to self-isolate for 14 days.